"Deaf for Deaf" Workplace Literacy

Abstract:

During this presentation you will learn about Boeing Canada "Math for Deaf Learners" curriculum and video(s) series. This program has received both the 2001 Canada Post Workplace Literacy award and the 2002 Conference Board of Canada Workplace Literacy award in the large business category.

This program is a component of the Boeing Essential Skills initiative. Boeing Winnipeg has twenty-four Deaf employees, this is the largest number of Deaf employees in the private sector in Canada. The Deaf in North America use American Sign Language (ASL) as their first language. This language is manual as compared to what the hearing world is accustomed, oral language.

The Math for Deaf Learners videos are introduced and closed by a skilled Deaf actor. This weaves a thread of colour and Deaf culture throughout the videos; it is significant to note that two of the Deaf employees from the Winnipeg plant participated as actors in the videos. The videos are entirely in American Sign Language - there is no voice over or closed captioning.

Presenters:

Cynthia Selley
Sue Turner

Cynthia Selley is the Director Human Resources for Boeing Canada Technology, Winnipeg Division. After 30 years with the company, she has gained not only extensive knowledge of the manufacturing sector, but also the understanding of the kind of workforce that is required to meet the challenges of the Year 2000 and beyond.

Cynthia's accomplishments include several years of experience continuously improving and developing Workplace Learning programs. In addition she has been instrumental in developing partnerships with educational institutions, government and labour. She believes that both of these elements are key to ensuring growth and maintenance of an adequately trained labour pool.

Sue Turner is currently Human Resources -Manager Training & Development, Boeing Canada Technology, Winnipeg Division. Sue is responsible for the development and delivery or Boeing employee training and development. Sue has extensive experience working with business, labour, government and other organizations to develop and deliver workplace education programs and
projects.

Previously Sue was Coordinator Workplace Education, WORKFORCE Manitoba for 10 years. Sue is a certified teacher in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Alberta, and Manitoba. Sue has worked in the Adult Education field for the past 17 years.

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